JP7489317B2 - Foot cover, eyelash extension applicator, and manufacturing method and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. US 62/792,048, filed January 14, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to eyelash extensions.

Attaching artificial eyelash extensions to a user's natural eyelashes can be difficult using an applicator, with a typical applicator resembling a pair of tweezers with a curved tip. With most applicators, when a user applies adhesive to the natural eyelashes and/or artificial eyelash extensions, the adhesive tends to stick to the tip of the applicator. The problem caused by adhesive sticking to the tip of the applicator is that the eyelash extensions get stuck to the adhesive on the tip, making it more difficult to attach the artificial eyelash extensions to the natural eyelashes.

Furthermore, because eyelashes are small and thin, the tips of the applicator must be held together precisely. It is difficult to manufacture such high-precision applicators on a large scale. In some cases, the quality of the metal must have high strength and high-precision bending capabilities. One issue in making applicators of this quality is cost, because the higher the precision and performance, the more expensive the metal.

In summary, the present invention discloses various foot socks, applicators having said foot socks, applicators having tips with non-sticky coating layers, and methods of making and using same. For example, the present invention provides an applicator, the applicator arm having a tip, to which a foot socks can be attached, the foot socks having a non-stick surface, or the foot socks being formed of a non-sticky material, or the foot socks including a non-sticky material. The outer surface of the tip can be coated with a non-sticky coating layer. In any case, the tip can be used to apply eyelash extensions to a user's natural eyelashes.

In one embodiment, the applicator includes an arm having a tip and a foot cover attached to the tip.

In one embodiment, the kit includes a package and an applicator housed in the package. The applicator includes an arm having a tip. The package houses a foot cover. The foot cover is attached to the tip, and the package can further house an element. The element can be selected from a set of elements, the set of elements including an eyelash extension that interfaces with the foot cover, an adhesive for the eyelash extension that interfaces with the foot cover, and a case having a groove, the groove structure being used to house the eyelash extension that interfaces with the foot cover.

In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes attaching a foot cover to the tip of an applicator arm and bonding eyelash extensions to the foot cover.

In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes attaching a foot cover to the tip of an applicator arm and bonding the foot cover to the eyelash extensions.

In one embodiment, the applicator may include an arm having a tip coated with an exterior non-stick coating layer.

In one embodiment, the method can include coating an exterior surface of the tip of the applicator arm with a non-stick coating layer.

In one embodiment, the kit includes a package and an applicator housed in the package. The applicator can include an arm having a tip coated with a non-sticky coating layer on the outside. The package can further house an element, which can be selected from a set of elements, the set of elements including an eyelash extension bonded to the non-sticky coating layer, an adhesive for the eyelash extension bonded to the non-sticky coating layer, and a case having a groove, the groove structure being used to house the eyelash extension bonded to the non-sticky coating layer.

1 shows an embodiment of a foot cover attached to the tip of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. 1 shows an embodiment of an applicator having a tip according to the present invention, without a foot cover attached to the tip. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a method for applying the foot cover disclosed in the present invention to an applicator tip. 1 shows an embodiment of an applicator having a coating layer on a tip as disclosed in the present invention. 1 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for applying eyelash extensions as disclosed herein to a user's natural eyelashes.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments.

In summary, the present invention discloses various foot covers, applicators having the foot covers, applicators having a tip coated with a non-stick coating layer, and methods of making and using the same. For example, the present invention provides an applicator, the arm of the applicator has a tip, the tip can have a foot cover attached thereto, the foot cover has a non-stick surface, or the foot cover is formed of a non-stick material, or the foot cover includes a non-stick material, and the outer surface of the tip can be coated with a non-stick coating layer. In any case, the tip can be used to apply eyelash extensions to a user's natural eyelashes. It should be noted that the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily limited to the various embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the various concepts of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

1 to 5 show an embodiment of a foot cover attached to the tip of an applicator disclosed in the present invention. Specifically, the foot cover 100 includes a tubular body 102 having an open end 104, an internal passage 106, and a closed end 108, the internal passage 106 extending between the open end 104 and the closed end 108, and the tubular body 102 can be non-linear in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the tubular body 102 can be arc-shaped in the longitudinal direction, but can also be any suitable non-linear shape (e.g., sinusoidal, zigzag, pulse, square, triangular, sawtooth). Of course, the shape can be changed, and the tubular body 102 can be linear in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the internal passage 106 is non-linear in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the internal passage 106 can be arc-shaped in the longitudinal direction, but can also be any suitable non-linear shape (sine wave, zigzag, pulse, square, triangular, sawtooth, hook, curve, etc.). Of course, the shape can be changed, and the internal passage 106 can be linear in the longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, the foot cover 100 may be unitary (i.e., formed entirely from a single material). In another embodiment, the foot cover 100 may be non-unitary (i.e., formed from multiple materials).

In one embodiment, the foot cover 100 is formed from or includes a flexible material (e.g., rubber, silicone ) so that when two foot covers 100 are pressed together to grip one or more artificial eyelashes or to press one or more artificial eyelashes through one or more natural eyelashes to redistribute adhesive to fix the artificial eyelashes through the natural eyelashes, the two foot covers 100 can dynamically adjust the misalignment of the tip of the applicator attached to said foot cover 100. Thus, by using a flexible foot cover 100, the precision of the applicator can be relaxed (i.e., the tip alignment is not ideal and the strength of the applicator material can be reduced because the foot cover 100 can self-adjust based on its material). In one embodiment, the foot cover 100 can be stretched along the entire tip of the applicator. Or, the foot cover 100 can be stretched along any sub-portion of the applicator (e.g., the tip, the central region, the region near the base of the tip).

The tubular body 102 includes at least one of rubber, silicon, plastic, metal, wood, glass, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), shape memory material (e.g., alloy, polymer, plastic), foam, fabric, or other suitable material. The tubular body 102 may be transparent or translucent, such that the internal passageway 106 is clearly discernible when the tubular body 102 is manipulated externally. Alternatively, the tubular body 102 may be opaque, such that the internal passageway 106 is not visible when the tubular body 102 is manipulated externally. The tubular body 102 may be solid, but may include a plurality of openings spaced apart from one another. For example, the tubular body 102 may be porous or of mesh construction. The tubular body 102 may be flexible (i.e., easily bendable) and at least one of elastic or recoverable. Of course, the tubular body 102 may be rigid (i.e., resistant to bending).

The tubular body 102 can have a polygonal cross-section. Thus, the cross-section of the tubular body 102 is rectangular, but may also be square, trapezoidal, triangular, or other suitable polygonal. However, it is noted that the cross-section may be non-polygonal, such as circular, elliptical, or other suitable non-polygonal. It is noted that while the tubular body 102 has a symmetrical cross-section, such construction may be varied and the tubular body 102 may have an asymmetrical cross-section. For example, whether internal or external, whether the cross-sections are consistent or varying, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, the tubular body 102 may have a square, rectangular, triangular, circular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, O-shaped, D-shaped, open, closed, or polygonal cross-section.

The tubular body 102 has an outer surface 110. The outer surface 110 may be textured to interface (e.g., contact) with at least one of an eyelash extension or an adhesive for an eyelash extension. The outer surface 110 may have a plurality of protrusions (or depressions) configured to interface with at least one of an eyelash extension or an adhesive for an eyelash extension. The outer surface 110 is flat, but may also be non-flat. For example, the outer surface 110 may be inwardly or outwardly arc-shaped or may have other non-planar shapes. The outer surface 110 may be at least one of a smooth surface, a rough surface, a textured surface, a raised surface, a spiked surface, or a knurled surface. The outer surface 110 may be configured to avoid the eyelash extension from sliding freely thereon (e.g., increased friction) or to avoid the eyelash extension from adhering thereon (e.g., non-stick).

The outer surface 110 is non-adhesive to at least one of the eyelash extensions or eyelash extension adhesives. For example, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface, whether static or kinetic, to at least one of the eyelash extensions or eyelash extension adhesives is about 0.5 or greater, e.g., about 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 or greater, including intermediate values.

Typically, the tubular body 102 of the foot cover 100 may have an internal passage 106 disposed therein that coincides with the tip of the applicator. That is, the internal passage 106 of the foot cover 100 has a size that allows the foot cover 100 to cover the tip and be secured to the tip by a friction fit. For example, if the tip has a rectangular cross-section, the internal passage 106 may have a cross-section that coincides with the rectangular cross-section. More specifically, the internal passage 106 may have a polygonal cross-section. Similarly, the cross-section of the internal passage is rectangular, but may also be square, trapezoidal, triangular, or other suitable polygonal. Of course, the cross-section may be non-polygonal, such as circular, elliptical, or other suitable non-polygonal. It should be noted that the cross-section of the internal passage 106 may be symmetrical, but may also be asymmetrical. For example, whether internal or external, consistent or varying in cross-section, symmetrical or asymmetrical, the interior passageway 106 can have a square, rectangular, triangular, circular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, O-shaped, D-shaped, open, closed, or polygonal cross-section.

The internal passageway 106 can have an inner surface 112 that can be textured to interface (e.g., contact) with the tip of the applicator arm. The inner surface 112 can have a number of protrusions (or indentations) configured to interface with the tip of the applicator arm. The inner surface 112 is flat, but can also be non-flat. For example, the inner surface 112 can be inwardly or outwardly arc-shaped or have other non-planar shapes. The inner surface 112 can be at least one of a smooth surface, a rough surface, a textured surface, a raised surface, a spiked surface, or a knurled surface. In one embodiment, the internal passageway 106 can be configured to avoid features (e.g., protrusions) that can slip on the applicator tip and/or applicator arm to prevent the applicator tip from slipping out.

The closed end 108 may be partially closed (e.g., about 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%) or completely closed (e.g., about 100%). In some cases, the tubular body 102 does not include a closed end 108, but instead has open ends, thereby configuring the foot cover 100 as a tube or sleeve having at least two open ends (e.g., 104 and 108), which are in fluid communication with each other via the internal passage 106.

6 to 9 show an embodiment of an applicator having a tip disclosed in the present invention, and the tip does not have a foot cover attached. Specifically, the applicator 200 (e.g., tweezers, forceps) can include a pair of arms 202 having a pair of center parts 206 and a pair of clamp tips 208. The pair of arms 202 are connected at a common point 204 such that the pair of center parts 206 are located between the common point 204 and the pair of clamp tips 208, and the pair of arms 202 form a V-shape in the default position. Thus, when the pair of arms 202 form a V-shape with the common point 204, the pair of arms 202 is in the default position. Thus, the applicator 200 includes a first arm 202 with a first clamp tip 208 having an arc shape and a second arm 202 with a second clamp tip 208 having an arc shape.

Each arm of the pair of arms 202 has an inside and an outside such that the insides face each other in the default position, and the pair of arms 202 are symmetrical to each other at the center 206 or clamp tip 208. It should be understood that asymmetric embodiments are possible.

Each of the pair of central portions 206 may form a ridge, thereby forming a concave shape (e.g., to rest against the cheekbone or bridge of the nose of the user). Similarly, each of the pair of clamp tips 208 may be arc-shaped so that its shape matches or corresponds to the user's lash line. Similarly, the concave and arc shapes are continuous in position and face the same direction of the pair of arms 202, which are parallel to the sides of the pair of arms 202, respectively. Correspondingly, each of the pair of central portions 206 and each of the pair of clamp tips 208 are continuously and vertically extended to form a valley therebetween, which are vertically opposed in the default position.

Each of the pair of cores 206 has an exterior with textured portions 210, which may be parallel grooves and ridges, but may be non-textured. The exteriors of the cores 206 face in opposite directions.

10-14 show an embodiment of a method for applying a foot cover disclosed in the present invention to the tip of an applicator. Specifically, the method 300 is used to apply a foot cover 100, whether removable (e.g., selectively attachable and detachable by a user) or permanent (e.g., non-removable by a user unless the foot cover and/or tip of the applicator is destroyed or disabled), to the tip 208 of the arm 202 of the applicator 200. The open end 104 of the foot cover 100 can be guided to align with the tip 208 of the applicator 200. Then, at least one of the two tubular bodies 102 is attached or slid onto the tip 208 through the open end 104, and the tip 208 is kept fixed or rotated until the closed end 108 of the foot cover 100 joins with the tip 208 (if necessary, before this point). However, the method may be reversed, with the tubular body 102 held stationary or rotated and the tip 208 inserted into the open end 104 of the foot cover 100 until (or before) the tip 208 joins the closed end 108 of the foot cover 100. Similarly, at least one of the foot covers 100 may be snap-fitted or slid over at least one tip 208 via the open end 104, or vice versa. In some embodiments, when the tubular body 102 is longitudinally arcuate and the tip 208 is longitudinally arcuate, the tubular body 102 is attached to the tip 208 only in a particular manner, or vice versa (e.g., aligning the arc to a larger arcuate shape, or pointing in a non-sinusoidal direction). In some embodiments, when the tubular body 102 is attached to the tip 208, or vice versa, the tubular body 102 cannot rotate or rotate freely relative to the tip 208, or vice versa. In some embodiments, when the tip 208 avoids joining with the closed end 108, the foot cover 100 can still be held on the tip 208 and, in some embodiments, can be used to apply eyelash extensions to the user's natural eyelashes. It should be noted that the foot cover 100 can be attached to the tip 208 manually by a user or automatically by a machine, or vice versa, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the method 300 can include attaching the foot cover 100 to the tip 208 of the arm 202 of the applicator 200 and joining the eyelash extensions to the foot cover 100. Similarly, the method 300 can include attaching the foot cover 100 to the tip 208 of the arm 202 of the applicator 200 and joining the foot cover 100 to the eyelash extensions.

If the tubular body 102 has an open cross-section (e.g., U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped), the tubular body 102 may not be completely tubular, but may resemble a tube or rod. Similarly, at least one of the tubular bodies 102 may still be slidable or attached, but not necessarily through the open end 104 (although this is possible), and the internal passage 106 may still be surrounded by the tip 208. Note that the reverse arrangement is also possible, but when at least one of the tips 208 is slidable or inserted into the internal passage 106, the internal passage 106 may still be surrounded by the tip 208, but not necessarily through the open end 104 (although this is possible). Note that in this case, at least one of the tubular body 102 or tips 208 may include various adhesion promoters to maximize the tubular body 102's ability to slip off or slide off the tip 208. For example, some such enhancers may include magnetic materials, rails, tracks, convex/concave structures, interlocking kits, or other suitable configurations.

In some embodiments, the foot cover 100 may have a single strip (any shape) or multiple strips (any shape), which may be in a linear or non-linear pattern, spaced apart from one another, and may be permanently or removably secured to the tip 208. For example, such securing may be accomplished by gluing, magnetizing, mating, interlocking, or other suitable methods. Similarly, a single strip or multiple spaced apart strips on the tip 208 may be configured as the outer surface 110 of the foot cover 100.

In some embodiments, when the foot cover 100 is attached to the tip 208 or vice versa, there may be a difference in the coefficient of friction (whether static or dynamic) between the foot cover 100 and the applicator 200. For example, the arm 202 may include a first outer surface (or another outer or inner surface of the arm) having a first coefficient of friction with at least one of the eyelash extensions or an adhesive for eyelash extensions. For example, the tip 208 may include a first outer surface. Similarly, the tubular body 102 may include a second outer surface (or another outer or inner surface of the tubular body 102) having a second coefficient of friction with at least one of the eyelash extensions or an adhesive for eyelash extensions. For example, the outer surface 110 may include a second outer surface. Similarly, when the second coefficient of friction is different from the first coefficient of friction, there may be a difference in the coefficient of friction (whether static or dynamic) between the foot cover 100 and the applicator 200. For example, the second coefficient of friction is higher than the first coefficient of friction (which may be the same or lower in other embodiments). Based on this difference in coefficient of friction, when two foot covers 100 are attached to two arms 202, the foot covers 100 are configured to be able to grip the eyelash extensions when the eyelash extensions are inserted between the foot covers 100, even if the foot covers 100 or the eyelash extensions have adhesive.

In some embodiments, the foot cover 100 and the applicator 200 can be included in the same kit. Thus, the kit includes a package (e.g., a plastic support base with a lid, an envelope, a carton), an applicator 200 provided in the package, and a foot cover 100 provided in the package, where the foot cover 100 is already attached to a tip 208 disposed in the package, or the foot cover 100 can be unattached to a tip 208 disposed in the package (e.g., the user can reattach it during use). For example, the package can include multiple foot covers 100, some of which are used as spare parts, whether or not these foot covers 100 are attached to the tip 208. The kit can include items contained in the package. For example, the items can include eyelash extensions that can be bonded to the foot cover 100, adhesive for the eyelash extensions that can be bonded to the foot cover 100, and a case having a groove having a structure used to accommodate the eyelash extensions that can be bonded to the foot cover 100. For example, eyelash extensions may extend from the grooves to facilitate gripping the eyelash extensions through the tip 208 regardless of whether or not the foot cover 100 is attached to the tip 208. For example, the adhesive may be pressure sensitive, a waterproof (semi-permanent) adhesive, mascara, or other copolymer solution with adhesive properties. Latex-based adhesives are generally avoided to avoid irritating the individual's eyelids (e.g., due to allergic reactions), but the adhesive may include a variety of other natural and/or chemical components. Examples of possible adhesives are acrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer, aqua, propylene glycol, ceteareth-25, hydrogenated castor oil, etc. oil), glycerin, phenoxyethanol, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, methylparaben, and an optional colorant (e.g., carbon black 2 (C177266)), polyterpene, styrene/isoprene copolymer, copolymer), petrolatum, polyisobutene, microcrystalline wax (cera microcristalina, cire microcrystalline), hydrogenated styrene/methyl styrene/indene copolymer, styrene/VA copolymer, and optionally an antioxidant (e.g., butylhydroxytoluene (BHT)), chlorine dioxide, p-anisic acid, biotin, lavender oil (lavandula angustifolia), oil), propylene glycol, water, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and optionally a preservative (e.g., benzalkonium chloride), and an acrylic copolymer and water. Note that many other adhesive compositions are possible and may indeed be desirable for individuals with specific allergies, individuals expecting a particular duration of fixation (also called the "permanence" of the eyelash extensions), etc., or for other embodiments.

Semi-permanent eyelash extension clusters may be applied using a Federal Drug Administration approved (FDA approved) adhesive that achieves a strong bond. Such adhesives usually contain cyanoacrylate. Different types of cyanoacrylates (e.g., ethyl, methyl, propyl, butyl, octyl) are designed to bond different surfaces. For example, adhesives made from methyl-2-cyanoacrylate are designed to bond smooth surfaces (e.g., eyelash extensions) to porous surfaces (e.g., natural eyelashes), but will not bond to skin, which can cause irritation.

The adhesive may be a semi-permanent adhesive or mascara. The adhesive may include oil-soluble or water-soluble polymers that help increase the adhesion and affinity of the eyelash extensions to the natural eyelashes. The adhesive may be a waterproof formulation that allows the set of eyelash extensions to remain fixed to the natural eyelashes for a longer period of time (e.g., days, weeks, or months).

Although latex-based adhesives are generally avoided to avoid eyelid irritation (e.g. due to allergic reactions), the adhesive may contain a variety of other natural ingredients (e.g. sugar or honey) and/or chemical ingredients. For example, copolymers are usually the main component of many adhesive formulations. The adhesive may be a commercially available adhesive for conventional eyelash extensions or a dedicated composition for a set of eyelash extensions according to the present invention. The adhesive may be clear or colored (e.g. milky white or black to emulate mascara).

In some embodiments, the applicator 200 can be used to perform a process of applying eyelash extensions to a user's natural eyelashes. The user can use a mascara stick or other method to apply adhesive to the natural eyelashes to which the eyelash extension needs to be attached, or can apply adhesive to the eyelash extension before attaching the eyelash extension to the natural eyelashes. The process can include clamping the eyelash extension (or another object) between the clamp foot covers 100 so that the eyelash extension (or another object) is elastically clamped (e.g., clamping the hair or clamping the base). Furthermore, the process can include discharging or placing the eyelash extension (or another object) on the user's natural eyelashes (e.g., above or below the upper or lower natural eyelashes). Thus, the method can achieve self-attachment of the eyelash extension by the applicator 200. In another embodiment, the user can use his or her fingers to apply adhesive to the natural eyelashes and/or eyelash extension to attach the eyelash extension to the natural eyelashes. Similarly, the arms 202 have longitudinally extending non-tips (e.g., central portion 206) so that when the eyelash extension is released to the natural eyelash (e.g., for bonding, magnetization, fastening, fixation), the longitudinally extending non-tips can cross the natural eyelash (e.g., to the right or left).

After the eyelash extensions are placed on the natural eyelashes and weakly adhered to the natural eyelashes with adhesive, the user can squeeze the natural eyelashes and the tips 208 of the eyelash extensions, which distributes the adhesive more evenly so that the eyelash extensions are better connected to the natural eyelashes by the adhesive. The foot cover 100 can include or be coated with a non-stick material so that the adhesive does not adhere to the foot cover or adheres only minimally to the foot cover.

15-19 show an embodiment of an applicator having a coating layer at the tip as disclosed in the present invention. Specifically, the applicator 400 can be similar in structure to the applicator 200. Similarly, the applicator 400 includes a plurality of arms 402 connected at a common point 404, each arm 402 having a center portion 406 and a tip 408. However, the tip 408 has an outer surface 410 coated with a non-stick coating layer 412. Although the tip 408 is coated in all directions with the non-stick coating layer 412, this is not required and only a portion of the outer surface 410 can be coated. For example, at least the inside of the outer surface 410 (e.g., facing or exposed to the opposite tip) can be coated with the non-stick coating layer 412. For example, for each of the arms 402, only the inside of the outer surface 410 has the non-stick coating layer 412. The extension of the non-stick coating layer 412 can be linear or non-linear, or any pattern in the X, Y, or Z plane (e.g., single lines, parallel lines, dot patterns).

It should be noted that the non-stick coating layer 412 may be continuously distributed, distributed in a pattern, linear, non-linear, or coated on the exterior surface 410. In some cases, the foot cover 100 may be attached to the tip 408 having the non-stick coating layer 412 such that the non-stick coating layer 412 extends into the interior passageway 106 of the foot cover 100, and the non-stick coating layer 412 extends between the tip 408 and the foot cover 100.

The non-stick coating layer 412 can be applied (e.g., layered, painted, glued, melted, bathed, sprayed, powdered, milled) to the tip 408 after the tip 408 is manufactured (e.g., molded, cast, 3D printed). The thickness of the non-stick coating layer 412 on the tip 408 can be consistent or variable. The non-stick coating 412 layer can be applied to predefined areas of the tip 408 in a predefined pattern or randomly. The non-stick coating layer 412 can be configured to prevent the eyelash extensions from sliding freely thereon (e.g., increasing friction) or to prevent the eyelash extensions from adhering thereon (e.g., not adhering). For example, the non-stick coating layer 412 can include rubber, silicone, plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), shape memory material (e.g., alloy, polymer), foam, gel, or other material.

In some cases, the tip 208 can be attached by mating (e.g., convex-concave), interlocking, magnetizing, suction, hook-and-loop, adhesive, or other means to symmetrical or asymmetrical materials (e.g., square, circular, oval, rectangular, arc-shaped, triangular, sinusoidal, polygonal) to resemble the non-stick coating layer 412 or foot cover 100, or vice versa. Such materials can include rubber, silicone, plastic, metal, wood, glass, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), shape memory materials (e.g., alloys, polymers), foams, gels, fabrics, or other materials. In some cases, the tip 208 or tip 408 can be rough, textured, knurled, spiked, bumped, or other.

19 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for applying eyelash extensions to a user's natural eyelashes as disclosed herein. Specifically, method 500 includes a number of blocks 502-506 that may be performed by foot cover 100, applicator 200, or applicator 400. The user may include a living or dead person, whether male or female, animate or inanimate, male or female, a doll, mannequin, robot, mask, or other suitable structure. As discussed above, method 500 may be used with a variety of applicators as disclosed herein.

The block 502 includes a pair of arms 202 that attach or slide the pair of foot covers 100 to the applicator 200, and the pair of arms 202 have a pair of tips 208. Similarly, the pair of foot covers 100 are attached or slid to the applicator 200 via the pair of tips 208. The pair of foot covers 100 can have a pair of closed ends 108 and a pair of open ends 104, so that they can be attached or slid to the tips 208 via the open ends 104, and at least one of the pair of foot covers 100 is attached or slid to the pair of tips 208. Such attachment or sliding can be continued until the pair of closed ends 108 contact the pair of tips 208. If the pair of foot covers 100 does not have a closed end 108, such sliding or attachment continues until the pair of foot covers 100 are fully attached or slid onto the pair of tips 208, so that the pair of foot covers 100 can be prevented from sliding freely from the pair of tips 208.

Block 504 includes gripping the eyelash extension via the pair of arms 202 such that the pair of foot covers 100 contact the eyelash extension and the eyelash extension is located between the pair of foot covers 100. The pair of foot covers 100 may be configured to prevent the eyelash extension from sliding freely thereon (e.g., increasing friction) or to prevent the eyelash extension from adhering thereon (e.g., not adhering).

Block 506 includes applying eyelash extensions to the user.

In summary, the applicator 200 may include an arm 202 having a tip 208 and a foot cover 100 attached to the tip 208. Similarly, the kit may include a package and an applicator 200 housed in the package. Here, the applicator 200 includes an arm 202 having a tip 208 and a foot cover 100 housed in the package. Here, the foot cover 100 is attached to the tip 208. Similarly, the method may include attaching the foot cover 100 to the tip 208 of the arm 202 of the applicator 200 and joining the eyelash extensions to the foot cover 100. Further, the method may include attaching the foot cover 100 to the tip 208 of the arm 202 of the applicator 200 and joining the foot cover 100 to the eyelash extensions. Also, the applicator 400 may include an arm 402 having a tip 408 coated with a non-stick coating layer 412 on the outside. In addition, the method can include coating the outer surface 410 of the tip 408 of the arm 402 of the applicator 400 with a non-stick coating layer 412. Further, the kit can include a package and an applicator 400 housed in the package, where the applicator 400 includes an arm 402 having a tip 408 coated with a non-stick coating layer 412 on its exterior. In addition, a pair of foot covers 100 can be used to apply artificial eyelashes to natural eyelashes, where each foot cover 100 can include an elongated portion (e.g., a tubular body 102) that (i) forms an internal passage 106 that is attached to and held by the tip 208 of the applicator 200 for applying the artificial eyelashes to the natural eyelashes, and (ii) a side portion that presses together when the user places the artificial eyelashes on each tip 208 of the applicator 200 to allow the user to grasp the artificial eyelashes.

Various terms used herein can refer to direct or indirect, complete or partial, temporary or permanent, operative or non-operative. For example, when an element is referred to as being "located," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, the element can be located, connected, or coupled directly to the other element, or there can be intermediate elements between the two elements, including indirect or direct variations. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements present.

As described herein, the various singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the various plural forms unless the specific context clearly indicates otherwise.

As described herein, the various existential verbs "include" and "comprise" when used herein refer specifically to the presence of a described feature, whole, step, operation, element or component, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements or components.

As described herein, the term "or" means an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless otherwise specified or the context is clear, "X uses a or b" means any one of a set of permutations that are naturally included. That is, if X adopts a, X adopts b, or X adopts a and b, in any of the above cases, "X adopts a or b."

As described herein, the terms "or otherwise," "combination," "composition," or "component" refer to all permutations and combinations of the items listed before the term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended to include at least one of A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and further includes BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB, if order is important in the particular context. Continuing with this example, repeat combinations including one or more items or terms such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, etc. are expressly included. Those skilled in the art will generally understand that the number of items or terms in any combination is not limited unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As described herein, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Various terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the relevant technical and upper and lower documents, and should not be interpreted as ideal or excessive forms unless expressly defined herein.

As described herein, relative terms such as "lower," "lower side," "upper," and "above" may be used to describe the positional relationship of one element to another element, as shown. In addition to the orientation shown in the figures, these relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the technology shown. For example, when a kit of figures is flipped over, elements originally described as being "under" other elements are changed to be "above" other elements. Similarly, when a kit of any figure is flipped over, elements originally described as being "low" or "below" are changed to be "above" other elements. Thus, the terms "low" and "below" can encompass high and bottom orientations.

As used herein, the terms "about" or "substantially" refer to a ±10% variation from the nominal value/term. Such variation is always included in any given value/term specified by the present invention, whether or not such variation is specifically mentioned.

Features described with respect to a particular embodiment may be combined or combined with various other embodiments in any permutation or combination. As disclosed in the present invention, different aspects or elements of the exemplary embodiments may be combined in a similar manner.

The present invention uses various terms such as first, second, third, etc. to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, or portions, but these elements, components, regions, layers, or portions are not necessarily limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, without departing from the various teachings of the present invention, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section.

Features described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments may be partially combined in various other exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that different aspects or elements of the exemplary embodiments may also be combined and partially combined in a similar manner as disclosed herein. It should be noted that some exemplary embodiments may be components of a larger system, individually or collectively, other processes may take precedence, or the application may be amended in other ways. It should be noted that many steps may be required before, after, or concurrently with the embodiments as disclosed herein. It should be noted that at least as disclosed herein, any or all methods or processes may be at least partially performed in any manner by at least one entity.

The present invention describes specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to figures of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) disclosed by the present invention. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to manufacturing techniques or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as necessarily limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown in the present invention, but should include, for example, deviations resulting from manufactured shapes.

As disclosed herein, any or all of the elements may be formed in the same, structurally continuous piece (e.g., integral), or may be separately manufactured or formed from the connection of, e.g., one or more elements. As disclosed herein, any or all of the elements may be manufactured by any manufacturing process, whether additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, or any other type of manufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer-controlled wiring, milling, stamping, vacuum forming, hydroforming, injection molding, and photolithography.

The various corresponding structures, materials, operations, and equivalents of all devices or elements of each claim are intended to include any structures, materials, or operations for performing functions in combination with other claimed elements as set forth in a specific claim. The various embodiments have been selected and described to best disclose the various principles of the invention and its various practical applications and to enable those skilled in the relevant art to understand the invention in its various embodiments, and have various modifications for the particular applications envisioned.

The present invention has been presented for various illustrations and purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention disclosed in its various forms. Various modifications and changes to the techniques and structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, such modifications and changes are considered part of this disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by various claims, including known equivalents and unanticipated equivalents at the time of filing this disclosure.

Claims (24)

1. An applicator for eyelash extensions , comprising:
A pair of arms facing each other and a pair of foot covers,
one end of each of the pair of arms is connected to one another, and each of the pair of arms includes a clamp portion, the clamp portion including a first end region, a second end region, and a first concave curved portion disposed between the first end region and the second end region;
each of the pair of foot covers includes a second concave curved portion that matches the first concave curved portion and is configured to be removably attached to at least a portion of the respective clamp portion ;
An applicator, wherein each of the pair of foot covers includes an outer surface that is non-adhesive to at least one of eyelash extensions or an adhesive for eyelash extensions, and is formed of or includes a flexible material that dynamically adjusts the offset of the clamping portions of the pair of arms to grip and press the eyelash extensions together with natural eyelashes . The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers includes silicone. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers is translucent. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers has a polygonal cross section. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers has a symmetrical cross section. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of each of the pair of foot covers is textured to interface with at least one of an eyelash extension or an adhesive for eyelash extensions. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of each of the pair of foot covers has a plurality of protrusions capable of coupling with at least one of an eyelash extension or an adhesive for eyelash extensions. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of each of the pair of foot covers is flat. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers is flexible. each of the pair of arms includes a first outer surface having a first coefficient of friction with at least one of an eyelash extension or an adhesive for the eyelash extension;
2. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers includes a second outer surface having a second coefficient of friction with at least one of an eyelash extension or an adhesive for eyelash extensions, the second coefficient of friction being different from the first coefficient of friction. The applicator of claim 10 , wherein the second coefficient of friction is higher than the first coefficient of friction. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers includes an internal passage having a polygonal cross-section. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers includes an internal passage having a symmetrical cross-section. The applicator of claim 13 , wherein the internal passageway is arcuate. The applicator of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of foot covers has an open end and a closed end, each of the pair of foot covers is configured to be attached to the respective clamp portion via the open end, and the closed end is at least partially closed. Package and
an applicator for artificial eyelashes contained in the package;
A kit including a pair of foot covers contained in a package,
the applicator includes a pair of arms facing each other, one end of each of the pair of arms being connected to each other, each of the pair of arms including a clamp portion, the clamp portion including a first end region, a second end region, and a first concave curved portion disposed between the first end region and the second end region;
each of the pair of foot covers includes a second concave curved portion that mates with a first concave curved portion of the applicator and is configured to be removably attached to at least a portion of a respective one of the clamp portions ;
The kit, wherein each of the pair of foot covers includes an outer surface that is non-adhesive to at least one of the artificial eyelashes or an adhesive for the artificial eyelashes, and is formed of or includes a flexible material that dynamically adjusts the offset of the clamping portions of the pair of arms to grip and press the artificial eyelashes together with the natural eyelashes . The kit of claim 16 , wherein each of the pair of foot covers is attached to a corresponding clamp portion. 1. An applicator for eyelash extensions , comprising:
The present invention includes a pair of arms facing each other and a non-stick coating layer,
one end of each of the pair of arms is connected to one another, and each of the pair of arms includes a clamp portion, the clamp portion including a first end region, a second end region, and a first concave curved portion disposed between the first end region and the second end region;
the non-stick coating layer is disposed on at least a portion of each of the clamping portions and is positioned to conform to a first concave curvature of the at least a portion of the clamping portion on which the non-stick coating layer is disposed ;
The non-adhesive coating layer is non-adhesive to at least one of eyelash extensions or adhesives for eyelash extensions, and is formed of or includes a flexible material that dynamically adjusts the offset of the clamping portions of the pair of arms to grip and press the eyelash extensions together with natural eyelashes . The applicator of claim 18 , wherein the non-stick coating layer comprises silicone. The applicator of claim 18 , wherein the non-stick coating layer comprises a rubber. 20. The applicator of claim 18 , wherein each of the clamping portions includes an interior that is at least partially coated on an exterior with a non-stick coating layer. 19. The applicator of claim 18, wherein each of the pair of arms includes a first outer surface having a first coefficient of friction with at least one of an eyelash extension or an eyelash extension adhesive, and the non-stick coating layer includes a second outer surface having a second coefficient of friction with at least one of an eyelash extension or an eyelash extension adhesive , the second coefficient of friction being different from the first coefficient of friction. 23. The applicator of claim 22 , wherein the second coefficient of friction is higher than the first coefficient of friction. A pair of foot covers for applying artificial eyelashes to natural eyelashes, comprising:
Each of the pair of foot covers includes an elongated portion,
The elongated portion is
(i) an internal passageway configured to be removably attached to clamp portions of a pair of arms of an applicator for applying artificial eyelashes to natural eyelashes;
(ii) a side portion that allows a user to grasp the artificial eyelash;
(iii) a first curved portion disposed between the first end and the second end of the elongated portion ;
A pair of foot covers, each elongated portion of which includes an outer surface that is non-adhesive to at least one of artificial eyelashes or an adhesive for artificial eyelashes, and which is formed of or includes a flexible material that dynamically adjusts the offset of the clamping portions of the pair of arms to grip and press the artificial eyelashes together with natural eyelashes .